Chapter Four, Splendorous Dreams (Part One).

Today he came to seek Zhou Mingchang. In just ten years, Xuantong abdicated, the republic failed, and in the world of the flag, everyone changed their surnames and names in order to seek stability. In early May, there was a student protest march in the capital against the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. The Manchu aristocracy was like a rat crossing the street, with everyone calling for their downfall. The Dunru Beile and his entire family were unable to protect themselves, so Tong Hongshi had no choice but to return to Shanghai with his family in a sorry state. Unfortunately, the Shanghai Bund is no longer what it used to be. The Tong family's old mansion was severely damaged, and as newcomers, they had no one to rely on for support, making it even more difficult for Tong Hongshi to support his family. Upon hearing about Zhou Mingchang, the former leader of the Qinglong Hall, Tong Hongshi hurriedly paid him a visit, hoping to gain his attention. However, before discussing the main matter, it unexpectedly involved the marriage of their children... He turned back and helplessly looked at Nashi, who had a frowning face and turned away, indicating her disagreement. Zhou Mingchang, the current entrepreneur, is the biological father of the young man who lost his finger back then. Tong Hongshi knew that this visit was not something that could be easily dealt with through simple social means. He quickly came to pay his respects on the first day of his return home, hoping to be seen in a different light... However, before discussing the main matter, it unexpectedly involved the marriage of their children... He turned back and helplessly looked at Nashi, who had a frowning face and turned away, indicating her disagreement.

As soon as the words were spoken, Tong Hongshi and his wife arrived together. The servant, after looking at the name cards, immediately led the two of them. Zhou Mingchang turned around and saw the expression of the visitors. He immediately laughed at the people around him and said, "Oh, our royal relatives have arrived. Hurry up and come with me to pay respects."

Tong Hongshi has always looked down upon Zhou Mingchang's background. He came here today with a specific request. Seeing this, he reluctantly showed a smile and said, "Brother Zhou is joking. I am unworthy."

Tong Hongshi followed the sound and saw a middle-aged man with a dignified appearance entering. This person seemed somewhat familiar, dressed in a robe and mandarin jacket, but with a British pocket watch hanging on his chest. The middle-aged man smiled slightly at Tong Hongshi and said, "If there really is a good daughter-in-law, I also want to snatch one for our family's Yuntang."

It's not entirely Mr. Tong's fault, as he was busy with important matters at that time. Du Ruiyuan smiled slightly and let the two of them off the hook, without taking the opportunity to say anything to Zhou Mingchang.

Suddenly, several people walked slowly into the doorway and saw that the ball inside had already begun. The person in charge clapped his hands outside the dance floor to signal Zhou Mingchang to turn around. Zhou Mingchang immediately pushed Qingping aside and walked over. Several followers followed behind the people. After Zhou Mingchang and the newcomers bowed and exchanged greetings, they quickly went upstairs along the spiral staircase and entered a secret room together.

A few wealthy businessmen dressed in their finest attire saw everyone crowding around the host of the day and dispersed. Zhou Mingchang walked hand in hand with the tall Qingping along the woven brocade carpet into the crowd, raising his tall glass to clink and laugh with his old friends and new acquaintances. The two walked to the center of the ballroom, where the magnificent crystal chandelier shone on Zhou Mingchang's face, revealing no trace of his former destitution. Today, he is a prominent entrepreneur in Shanghai, ostensibly engaged in the business of importing and exporting goods at the docks, but also secretly involved in opium trade and partnering with foreigners. The two walked to the center of the ballroom, where the magnificent crystal chandelier shone on Zhou Mingchang's face, revealing no trace of his former destitution. Today, he is a prominent entrepreneur in Shanghai, ostensibly engaged in the business of importing and exporting goods at the docks, but also secretly involved in opium trade and partnering with foreigners.

One sentence, everyone immediately sneered in their hearts, without saying anything on their faces, they roughly knew about Qingping's background. Mrs. Mei was originally an experienced seductress in Shanghai, who specialized in finding beautiful girls and transforming them into noble ladies, and then sending them to military and political figures. She had connections in the aristocratic families and was famous for it. It is often said that any prominent family would gain some status if they had a canary trained by Mrs. Mei.

Zhou Master, since there are good candidates for daughter-in-law, why not broaden our horizons? What do you think?

Later, did you not see Mrs. Zhou appear?

1919 Shanghai, Zhou Mansion.

Tong Hongshi immediately remembered who was in front of him, and immediately felt ashamed and shook his head, saying, "When Mr. Du came to Tong Garden to inquire about the issue of foreign trade, I was unable to help due to trivial matters, and I have been feeling guilty about it."

However, getting close to the Du family is like reaching for the sky. Tong Hongshi seemed to be lost in thought, and the wine glass he had picked up tasted bland, so he gently placed it back on the round table.

With one sentence, it was all over. The crowd burst into laughter, their eyes filled with mockery.